Description
This Easy Applesauce Spice Cake with Maple Buttercream Frosting is a moist, flavorful dessert perfect for any occasion. Infused with warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and allspice, and sweetened naturally with applesauce, this cake is topped with a creamy maple buttercream frosting that adds the perfect balance of sweetness and richness.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1/2 cup butter (room temperature)
- 1 1/3 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 2 eggs
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
Maple Buttercream Frosting
- 1/2 cup butter (room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon milk of choice
- Pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan using butter or nonstick spray to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a stand mixer bowl, cream together 1/2 cup softened butter and 1 1/3 cups sugar on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the 2 cups unsweetened applesauce, 1/2 cup water, and 2 eggs to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix on medium speed until all the ingredients are well combined, noting it’s okay if the butter appears slightly clumpy.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups flour, 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves, and 1/2 teaspoon allspice.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the prepared batter into the greased and floured 9×13 pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the top is lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
- Make the Frosting: In the stand mixer bowl, beat 1/2 cup room temperature butter on high speed until smooth. Add 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 tablespoon milk of choice, and a pinch of salt. Mix on high speed for 2-3 minutes until the frosting is fluffy, smooth, and light in color.
- Frost the Cake: Pour the maple buttercream over the cooled cake and spread evenly with a rubber spatula until smooth and covered completely.
- Serve: Cut the cake into 16 pieces. Optionally serve with vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure the cake is fully cooled before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.
- Use unsweetened applesauce to control the sweetness and moisture level.
- For dairy-free frosting, substitute butter with a vegan butter alternative and use plant-based milk.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Spices can be adjusted to taste for a milder or stronger flavor profile.
